2021 is shaping up to be the battle of the electric pickup trucks, as Rivian has announced the start of the production of its R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV has been pushed back due to delays caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Rivian had already begun renovation work at its facility in Normal, Illinois after taking over the plant from Mitsubishi. It had hoped to have the work complete and begin manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of the year, but that “will be in 2021”, according to Rivian spokeswoman Amy Mast (via Chicago Tribune).
Related: Rivian R1T electric truck spotted on Vancouver Island
In a statement to reservation holders of the R1T and R1S, Rivian announced the delay in production and hoped it would be able to minimize changes to their launch schedule.
During the shutdown, Rivian is continuing to pay all their employees in full.
